Dream Out Loud Center, Inc.

10/23/2026

Check out the latest original piece created by our digital art student Jomar, age 13!

Jomar started creating art when he was 3 years old and describes his style as anime freestyle. His art is currently influenced by the Japanese animation series “Dragon Ball Z” which inspired him to create his own original character from the future.

Jomar’s goal this semester is to experiment with different drawing techniques and styles. We can’t wait to see what he creates next!

10/23/2026

Meet our digital art program student Genesis, age 14, and learn more about her in our student highlight interview!

When did you start creating art and what inspires your character creation?
I started in 6th grade. My friends’ doodles inspired me, and sometimes I create characters based on people or characters from TV.

What is the most challenging part of character creation and how do you overcome it?
Art block is the most challenging part. I overcome it by doodling until I get past it.

What characters are you working on now, and how would you describe them?
I’m working on Crystal, an angelic character, and an untitled character for the current theme that I plan to draw again.

What is your goal this semester at Dream Out Loud?
To improve my drawing skills, especially anatomy and body proportions.

Stay tuned for Genesis’s final creations this semester!

10/21/2026

Meet our music program student Andrew, age 12, and learn more about him in our student highlight interview!

What brought you to Dream Out Loud?
My mom found it, and it sounded fun. It has been fun!

How have you explored music at Dream Out Loud?
I have been working on beats that I can play on my drums to create an instrumental piece. Using GarageBand inspires me with new ideas for beats.

How would you describe your style?
I really like fast, heavy music and heavy metal. There are a lot of metal drummers I like, especially Joey Jordison, the former Slipknot drummer. I like his style, particularly his fast fills and solos.

What makes you want to pursue a career in music?
After playing the flute for a couple of years, I wanted to try another instrument and became interested in drums. My grandpa was a drummer in a band for a while, so I wonder if that had something to do with my interest in music. Playing makes me happy, and I practice every day because I hope to be in a band one day.

What’s your goal for the semester?
My goal is to keep practicing, get better, and come up with more ideas for different instruments and beats.

Stay tuned for Andrew’s final creations this semester!

10/19/2026

Our Media Program Coordinator Megan Holden is leading the next generation of creative youth in our Fall Creative Careers Program!

We have witnessed amazing growth from our Girls Rule Program students Izzy and Myah, age 14, who both joined Dream Out Loud two years ago. They have evolved creatively, personally and professionally due to their commitment, work ethic and continued desire to learn.

Stay tuned to see their final projects this semester!

10/17/2026

Our Girls Rule Creative Careers Program instructor Lexie Cousineau had an amazing time at the SHUMI Women's Empowerment United Voice Experience!

The event featured speakers including Desiree Decoo, founder of H.O.P.E. - Heal On Purpose Everyday, Emily Jones, Certified Relationship Coach and Co-Founder of FERNS Method Coaching, and Rachael Rollins, former Suffolk County District Attorney and U.S. Attorney for Massachusetts.

In Lexie’s words, “These talented speakers were powerful and inspiring. It is so beautiful to see these local women be recognized for their successes in the community!"

Special thanks to Women's Fund SouthCoast for sharing this incredible event!

10/16/2026

Our music program student Bryce, age 17, is hard at work in our Fall Creative Careers Program!

Bryce has made incredible progress this year with lyric creation under the guidance of our instructors. He found his own style using a narrative storytelling approach, which inspired him to become more ambitious with his writing. He recently wrote, recorded and performed his original song “Little Jimmy & Tiny Timmy” which will be featured on our upcoming album.

We can’t wait to see what he creates next!

10/08/2026

Don't miss 3rd EyE Unlimited's Open House event for AHA! New Bedford, happening this Thursday 10/8!

10/05/2026

Congratulations to our Girls Rule Creative Careers Program music student Leeyah Nunes Wynn for winning this year’s Miss New Bedford’s Teen!

Contestants compete in five phases of scored competition and are expected to exude confidence and drive, demonstrate academic excellence, and show a commitment to service.

We are so proud of all of Leeyah’s accomplishments, including writing and recording her first original song “Don’t Look My Way” at Dream Out Loud! We know she will be an outstanding representative for New Bedford youth!!

Meet your new Miss New Bedford’s Teen, Lee’yah Nunes Wynn!!!

10/04/2026

Congratulations to our publication program alum and former board member Amanda Celia DeGrace, who will be presenting a workshop “The Teller’s Guide to Grants and Fundraising” on Friday, November 6, 2026 at the National Association of Black Storytellers Festival and Conference in Warwick RI! This event honors the enduring strength, cultural richness, and intergenerational legacy of Black storytelling in America.

Amanda has been an impactful, successful fundraiser since her teenage years. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from her!

To purchase tickets, please visit:
https://www.nabsgriots.org/festival

🎉 Another Legacy Academy graduate is taking the stage at NABS!

We’re proud to celebrate Amanda, who will lead “The Teller’s Guide to Grants and Fundraising” at the 44th Annual NABS Festival & Conference!

🎟️ Get your tickets and come support Amanda at NABS!
https://www.nabsgriots.org/festival (IG users, link is in our Linktree!)


Amanda will help storytellers learn where to find funding, build strong partnerships, and craft the “PERFECT ASK” to help bring their ideas to life.

We love seeing our Legacy Academy graduates sharing their talents and expertise on the national stage! 🧡🖤💚

10/03/2026

Our Girls Rule Creative Careers Program instructor Lexie Cousineau had a wonderful time at the Mass NOW Feminist Affair Salon Series event!

In Lexie’s words, "Meeting and hearing from women from all walks of life with the same daily and consistent issues, actively working together to bridge these gaps in our government, was awesome and inspiring."

Lexie also had the pleasure to connect with Mass NOW's Board President Naitasia Hensey and fellow local community leaders in attendance such as Audrey Straw, Research and Impact Manager for Women's Fund SouthCoast and Gail Fortes, Executive Director of the YWCA Southeastern Massachusetts.

Thank you to everyone involved for this amazing opportunity!